Windows 11 Passkey Setup Guide: Unlock Modern, Portable Authentication
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Upgrading to Passkeys on Windows 11: What You Need to Know
The latest update to Windows 11 (25H2) introduces robust features for managing passkeys—a new, highly secure way to sign in that goes beyond traditional passwords. Passkeys are phishing-resistant, more convenient, and now easier to use and sync across your devices. On Hands-On Windows, Paul Thurrott highlighted exactly how these features work, plus showed how to make passkeys part of your everyday digital security toolkit.
What Are Passkeys and Why Are They Better Than Passwords?
Passkeys are cryptographic credentials that replace passwords with a pair of digital keys—one stored securely on your device, the other with the service you sign in to. Unlike passwords, passkeys can't be stolen in data breaches or phished by attackers. They act as a form of strong multi-factor authentication (MFA) and are tied directly to your device or secure cloud storage, making unauthorized access extremely difficult.
Traditional passwords are widely used, but they're also vulnerable due to reuse, weak choices, and phishing attacks. If a password leaks, attackers can get immediate access. Passkeys, by contrast, are useless to hackers even if the website is breached.
The Evolution of Passkey Support in Windows 11
Earlier versions of Windows 11 offered basic passkey support, but there were major limitations—namely, passkeys were "device-bound," meaning each passkey was tied to a single device. If you used another PC, phone, or tablet, you had to create and manage separate passkeys for each.
With the rollout of Windows 11 version 25H2, Microsoft added two major improvements:
- Native integration with Microsoft Password Manager (via Edge browser): Now, passkeys can sync through Edge across all your devices, from PCs to iPhones and Androids.
- Support for third-party password managers: Apps like 1Password and Bitwarden can now manage your passkeys in Windows, letting you use your preferred tool across every platform.
Using Passkeys in Windows 11: Quick Summary
- Device-bound passkeys: Only exist on one device. Great for added security on a single machine, but not portable.
- Microsoft Password Manager (Edge): When you use Edge and Microsoft's Password Manager, your passkeys become cloud-based and sync across devices—laptops, phones, tablets—wherever you're signed in.
- Third-party options: With support for 1Password and Bitwarden, you can store and use your passkeys in the password manager app of your choice, with full cross-platform access and advanced features.
How to Apply This: Setting Up Passkeys in Windows 11
- Enable passkeys in Windows:
- Go to Settings > Accounts > Passkeys.
- Choose your provider:
- Use the Microsoft Password Manager by enabling it in Edge’s password settings (Edge > Settings > Profiles > Passwords and Passkeys).
- Or, install a compatible third-party manager (like 1Password or Bitwarden) and enable it via Accounts > Passkeys > Advanced options.
- Create or import passkeys:
- Visit a website that supports passkeys (Google, for example), go to its security settings, and opt to create a new passkey.
- Choose where to save the passkey—on this device, in Edge Password Manager, or your third-party manager.
- Sync and use effortlessly:
- With Edge or your password manager app on your devices, sign-in is automatic and secure wherever you need it.
Note: Passkey support is still rolling out to more password managers and services, so choices will continue to expand.
Key Takeaways
- Passkeys offer vastly better security than passwords, removing phishing risks and credential breaches.
- Windows 11 25H2's passkey features make secure sign-ins more accessible and portable—no more juggling passwords or device-bound logins.
- You should opt for a portable passkey solution (Microsoft Edge or a trusted third-party app), rather than sticking with device-bound passkeys.
What This Means for You
If you use Windows 11 and care about security, now's the time to move to passkeys. They’re more secure, easier to use, and no longer tied to just one device. Using a password manager that supports passkeys will save you time and headaches—and make breaches far less likely to impact you.
The Bottom Line
Upgrade to passkeys in Windows 11 as soon as possible. They’ll keep your accounts safer and make sign-ins a breeze across your devices. Preferably, use a cloud-based provider like Edge Password Manager or a reputable third-party app for full portability and added convenience.
Ready to learn every step? Catch the full walkthrough and more tips on Hands-On Windows:
https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-windows/episodes/175
